The original post of this video from below was removed because someone posted it on YouTube with a song from WMG without approval apparently. I deleted the entry page to comply with that copyright. Another version of this video is posted by another YouTube subscriber now without the audio track. It is still very funny as a silent clip. According to one of my fellow MLBloggers, the enemy of your enemy is your friend. She is so right!

Raymond is the official mascot of the Tampa Bay Rays. He is described officially as a "seadog", though his appearance mildly resembles a very furry manatee.

Wally the Green Monster is the official mascot for the Boston Red Sox. His name is derived from the Green Monster nickname of the 37-foot wall in left field at Fenway Park.

I have got to admit that I was skeptical of domes as baseball stadiums when they first began popping up all over North America. I believed that they were offensive to the game. Baseball is a game that needs beautiful green grass and sunshine, right? It would just be unnatural to close up a grand baseball field.

On the other hand if you look at the practicality of a dome versus the traditional baseball field you may quickly agree that domes are more convenient and cost effective for fans. I did not say I like them but I do appreciate their importance more now. For example, I have to drive 4 hours to see a MLB game. I can either drive north to Atlanta or south to Tampa Bay. I don't mind going to Tampa Bay over Atlanta because if it rains I will not be out gas money or hotel expenses. Tampa Bay currently has the Tropicana Dome.

Today, domes are dissipating from the game of baseball. Luckily, many are replaced with stadiums sporting retractable roofs. Who says you can't have it all! My true love for the game will keep me going regardless if it is played in a dome or traditional ballpark.

Rays Baby Rays

10. The tradition of the sport.

9. Green is my favorite color.

8. It is fun to play in the dirt.

7. My favorite song is "Take me out to the Ballgame".

6. The feel of the stitches on the ball.

5. Music to my ears is the crack of the bat.

4. Multiples of 3 are cool (3 strikes, 9 innings, 9 players, 27 outs)

3. The smell of a leather baseball glove.

2. Hot Dogs, Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

1. My baseball memories.

The Red Sox seem to be making some silly last minute roster additions. Brad Penny is far from the class of the AL East. In 2008, his record before the all-star game was a sad 5-9. He only had 1 win after the break. This is partly due to his arm issues. Penny is in need of major conditioning due to the fact that he is overweight and out of shape. I watched numerous Dodgers games last year on MLB Premium online TV and rooted for them only because I love Joe Torre. Every Penny game was a disaster waiting to happen. I only recall one game where he seemed to dominate, but that could have been because of a pitiful opponent in the Pirates. The biggest issue with Penny is his inability to go deep in a game. Look at the stats. The most IP per game for Penny was 7.0. Penny only went 7 innings into a game twice out of 17 starts. I wish the Red Sox luck with this acquisition because they need a miracle for this deal to come out good. They still have 40 days to "condition" Penny.

I can't wait until Spring Training starts at the new port charlotte facility. I have my tickets already!

Pat Burrell is the right handed power hitter that the Rays missed last season. He should be a nice fit in the Rays quest for a second attempt at a World Series Championship. Burrell, Longo, and Upton give the Rays three right handed bats that can attack opposing left handed pitchers. The Rays have the left side of the plate covered as well with the addition of Matt Joyce and the clutch stroke of Carlos Pena. If these guys stay healthy and productive the Rays may surpass 100 wins in 2009.  

This is a difficult question to answer. How can you love one Ray more than the rest? I love them all, but the entry is titled "my favorite rays" isn't it? Well, I do love Evan Longoria and practically stalked him at the Trop for his autograph. Yes. I did finally get it! I have proof below. I was shaking so much from excitement that the picture is very fuzzy. Am I rambling yet?Let's not forget Kaz the flamethrower.Then there is Carlos Pena who also gave me an autograph and a smile as all super star baseball players should. Oh, don't forget Aki. He is so awesome!   You should get my point that.... my favorite players are the Rays because they are a real team.

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